A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Create the Perfect Stargazing Experience
Pick the right night. All nighttime skies are not created equal. Would- be stargazers must consider the weather and cloud cover. Further, the light from the moon tends to wash out the dimmer sparkle of distant stars, and it’s best to go during or immediately before or after a new moon phase. It can all be complicated, so make it easier with a stargazing forecasting site like GoodToStargaze.com . It will provide all the technical details and a simple “yes” or “no” verdict about the evening’s stargazing suitability. Find the ideal spot. Those who live in rural areas without much light pollution won’t have to go far to see the stars, but everyone else should do a little planning. Scope out a location away from city lights that has an unobstructed view of the sky, and make sure it’s legal for you to go there. You’ll also
need a place to set up blankets or chairs for a comfortable and relaxed experience.
Bring essential supplies. Don’t ruin the perfect evening by being
unprepared! After so much planning, the last thing you want is to be run off by a chilly breeze or some pesky mosquitoes. The summer night in an open space may be cooler than expected, so bring a sweater or jacket. Ensure your clothing and seating are comfortable, and don’t forget bug spray. It’s also wise to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Further, you can step up your game by bringing binoculars or a star map. But remember to take all your goodies home with you. Leave nothing behind so the next amateur astrologists can enjoy their experience as much as you did.
Many children
are fascinated by the mystery and beauty of outer space, but most tend to lose their
reverence as they get older. That doesn’t have to be the case! A night of stargazing is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening or have a fun time with your family. But creating the ideal experience isn’t always as simple as stepping outside and looking up. Here are some tips to make the most of an astrological adventure.
The Tax-Savvy Way to Afford College
USING A 529 PLAN JUST GOT EASIER!
Save the Date! The Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 30 — and we’d love to see you there! Scan this QR code to join our team or help us fund a cure.
If you want to help your kids or grandkids pay for college, a savings account is a great place to start — but it is not the best option from a tax perspective. Instead, we recommend considering a CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plan (or 529 Plan for short). It will let you save for your family’s education and save on your income taxes! 529 Plan Basics A 529 Plan is a type of savings account designed to pay for education expenses. You can save funds there and withdraw money for a family member’s tuition, books, supplies, housing costs, and more. These plans work best for college students, but you can use up to $10,000 of your 529 Plan savings per year to pay for K–12 tuition. The Tax Advantages The money you save in a 529 Plan is exempt from federal and state taxes. Even better, here in Indiana, you can get a state income tax credit for contributing to one! According to the Indiana Treasurer of State, “Indiana taxpayers who
contribute to a CollegeChoice 529 account may be eligible for a 20% state income tax credit of up to $1,500 each year ($750 for married filing separately) on their contributions.” That means if you contribute $7,500 or more to your 529 Plan, you will get $1,500 back in income tax savings.
Other Benefits The Indiana state income tax credit just
increased on Jan. 1, 2023. It could change again, so this is a great time to start or contribute to a 529 Plan. The federal government also made 529 Plans more attractive this year through the Secure Act 2.0. In the past, if your chosen child or grandchild did not use all of the money you saved in their 529 Plan, you had to use the funds for someone else’s education expenses. Starting in 2024, though, you can roll up to $35,000 of leftover funds into a Roth IRA for your child/ grandchild or yourself, depending on how long you had the 529 Plan.
To learn more about Indiana 529 Plans, visit CollegeChoiceDirect.com .
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